DC SUPERHEROES FLY INTO GAYLORD HOTELS

Summer brings the sizzle and swagger to Gaylord Opryland, Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Rockies, and Gaylord Texan when the Gaylord Hotel collection collaborates with DC Superheroes to present interactive battles between comic book legendary heroes and notorious villains. Stay overnight and become part of the adventure, such as uncovering secret menu items at onsite restaurants. At Gaylord Texan, a dazzling spectacle of light and legend explode the spectacle. Crafted with traditional techniques and cutting-edge LED technology, this immersive journey takes you through Superman’s heroic rescues, Wonder Woman‘s battle against The Cheetah, and Batman‘s glowing Batcave—featuring a life-sized lantern Batmobile for the ultimate selfie. Your adventure ends in the Fortress of Solitude and Hero’s Walk of Fame, where DC SuperHeroes are waiting for unforgettable photo moments.

https://www.gaylordhotels.com/dcsummer?

FFEA SEEKS JUDGES FOR AUGUST CONFERENCE

The Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) Sunsational Awards seeks qualified individuals to judge this year’s award entries. Judging is done online anytime between July 1 – 11 and all that is required is a computer with internet access. Judges do not need to be FFEA members. Any judge affiliated with an event can be excluded from judging. FFEA is looking qualified people in graphic design, social media, photography, broadcast media, PR, advertising, event programming, and virtual events. Fill out the form at the following link. The theme for the 2025 Conference and Expo, to be held August 12-14 at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, is License to Thrill – Your Mission: Creating Unforgettable Experiences.

https://www.ffea.com/p/convention/awards

TOURISM ENHANCEMENT GRANT DEADLINE NEARS

The Tourism Enhancement Grants Program sponsored by Experience Kissimmee (FL) provides funding assistance to local government and nonprofit organizations conducting special events and projects in Osceola County. Application deadline is 5 pm, May 14. Criteria includes: increase room nights and revenue for Osceola County, or enhance Osceola County’s appeal to visitors, or support the TDC mission to “Promote Tourism for Osceola County”.

https://www.experiencekissimmee.com/article/tourism-enhancement-grants-program-application; Melissa Vallejo at grants@experiencekissimmee.com; (407) 840-1105.

THEY SERVE UP DEALS! YOU SAVE!

The Meeting Oasis incentive package has returned to Greater Palm Springs, CA. Book your eligible new meeting by May 31, to actualize October through December, with Visit Greater Palm Springs and an earned rebate can be used for facility rental, F&B, AV, or other meeting-related fees. The credit will be awarded based on 70% pick up of paid and consumed rooms at one of the area’s destination hotels and resorts. The group must contract and actualize 10 rooms on peak night or more to qualify for the offer.

https://www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/meetings/choose-greater-palm-springs/special-promotions/meeting-oasis-incentive/

Lock in a deal by May 9 from Cybis Productions and receive 40% off Audiovisual rentals from May 10-June 10. The deal is available for new customers on in-stock gear, minimum $5000.

https://appt.link/meet-with-jeff-douglass/meet-XHI9fxVe/

DoubleTree SeaWorld by Hilton (Orlando, FL), located near to the new Epic Universe theme park, has package offers for corporate, religious, family reunion or wedding groups. Each package offer is unique, so check out what suits your group.

https://www.dtresortorlando.com/orlando-hotel-deals#specials, (407) 352-1100

Create Your Own Vacation Package with Universal Epic Universe (Orlando, FL). Save up to $200 when you book seven nights or more (but savings begin at a two-night hotel package with a three-park + one-day Universal Epic Universe ticket package). Book from now through December 10 and stay from May 22 (official opening) through December 31, 2025. Included in this package are tickets to Universal Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and early park admission.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web-packages/en/us/vacation-packages/H676/create-your-own-vacation-package-with-universal-epic-universe?_If a vacation stay at a Caesars International Resort property is on your bucket list, have I got great news for you. Caesars has a book by July 1 and use by May 2026 for many of its hotels and resorts, such as The LINQ Hotel, The Cromwell, Caesars Palace, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah’s Las Vegas,  Horseshoe Las Vegas, Nobu Hotel Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas, and others. The best way to see all the options and get the promo codes is to check out the offers yourself. See below.

https://www.caesars.com/book/promotions-and-packages?propCode=lvm&view=alldeals. Call (866) 503-7566.

All-Inclusive ocean view room at the Lighthouse Pointe at Grand Lucayan in The Bahamas, that includes room, taxes, fees, and gratuities3 meals per day, snacks, unlimited beverages, and standard brand liquors if you book by June 30 and use by September 30. The complimentary welcome amenities includes fruit and cheese tray and a bottle of sparkling wine.

Teena McDonald, mcdonald.teena@grandlucayan.com; reservations@grandlucayan.com.

Save up to 25% on select rooms and villas at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, HI. Book by September 28 and stay between August 10 through October 19. Book five or more nights and receive 25% off. Stay up to four nights and receive 20% off.

(866) 443-4763 or contact your travel agent; https://www.disneyaulani.com/rooms-offers/special-offers/2025-aulani-summer-room-offer/details/

Ready for some serious learning while having serious fun? You can with this offer from Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe (Houston, TX). Book a qualified meeting in any of these time periods to receive a cruise to the Bahamas for two aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise or a Margaritaville Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker. Partake in the “Serious Learning. Serious Fun. Serious Choices.” Program. Benefits depend on room spend. The remaining dates for 2025 are May 18-23, August 3-8, 10-14, 17-22 and 24-29.

www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-lake-resort-lake-conroe/meetings-events/meeting-special-offers

The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) offers incentives to book more than 40 hotels in multiple cities with its new “Now Playing” campaign. Planners are encouraged to book their groups through June 30, 2025 by first submitting new meeting or event requests to LA Tourism. They will be eligible for gift cards, rebates, and other financial rewards based on the number of booked rooms.

https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/meetla

IRVING, TX WEEKEND GIVEAWAY

Enter to Win the Ultimate Irving Getaway! Two-night stay at Texican Court; Two Stand Up Paddle excursions on Lake Carolyn (1-hour); $100 gift card to Via Real; Two concert tickets to The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (based on availability); and a $100 Amex gift card.

https://www.irvingtexas.com/irving-celebrates-tourism/

GRAND CANYON RAFTING CONTINUES DESPITE PARK CUTS

While recent federal budget cuts to the National Park Service may impact visitor experiences across the country, travelers planning a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Western River Expeditions will continue disruption. “Unlike some land-based activities that rely heavily on park staffing, our river trips operate independently,” explains Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions. “Our trained guides and self-sufficient operations ensure guests experience the Grand Canyon’s wonders without interruption.” State level funding support from Arizona and operational independence enables the tour company to manage its own trips. Western River Expeditions recommends that travelers consider purchasing travel insurance for added peace of mind when booking their trip. Rafting season on the Colorado River runs April through September.

(866) 904-1160 (Local: 801-942-6669); https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-rafting

IMEX FRANKFURT WELLBEING CHALLENGE

Caesars Entertainment brings its Wellbeing Challenge to exhibitors at IMEX Frankfurt. Compete individually or join peers as a team. Check out your standing on the Team Leaderboard. Earn chances to win amazing prizes for reaching Challenge Goals. Competition begins May 20 at 9 am CST and ends May 22 at noon CST.

Check out the Challenge FAQ Webpage, fill out our support form, email info@hekahealth.com, or stop by the Challenge booth in Hall 9

NEW OR COMING IN THE NEAR FUTURE

In 2025

Bye-bye to Harveys Lake Tahoe and a big hello to Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Hotel & Casino’s official debut on July 1 when Caesars Entertainment finishes the $160 million transformation. “Lake Tahoe is a stunning destination, and we’re elated to bring a new world-class resort worthy of its allure to the lakefront,” said Anthony Carano, President and Chief Operating Officer of Caesars Entertainment. “The property transformation has begun and will continue throughout 2026 with the all-new hotel tower, hotel lobby, stellar restaurants and the start of a completely reimagined casino coming online this summer for our guests to enjoy right away. Our second phase will begin in the fall, with the entire project completing next summer. With its bold new look and modern energy, Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe will set the stage for a new era of luxury in the region, and we know our guests will be blown away by this tremendous transformation.” The 1.6 million-sf resort, designed by Marnell Companies, will be completely transformed, beginning at the hotel lobby and carrying throughout the hotel. The 88,000-sf casino floor will be reimagined with new carpeting, lighting, tables, chairs and cutting-edge digital displays. All the rooms in the Remus Tower, formerly the Mountain Tower, will be updated. Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe’s other hotel tower, the Romulus Tower, previously the Tahoe Tower, is also being refreshed. Newly designed lobby bar, Cleo’s Coffee and Cocktails, will transform from a café by day into an upscale lounge by night. Across the street, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, which is connected to Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe via an underground connector, is also undergoing improvements, including renovating the resort’s iconic Summit Suites. Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe is the second Caesars Republic to open in two years, following the successful opening of Caesars Republic Scottsdale, a Hilton Hotel. The renovations at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe will continue throughout 2025, pausing during the summer season, with the entire project slated to be complete in mid-2026.

www.CaesarsRepublicTahoe.com.

Signia by Hilton Orlando, an official Walt Disney World® Hotel, has a new Waterside expansion that provides up to 90,000 sf of space. The property has 231,000 sf of flexible space.

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/orlhhsa-signia-by-hilton-orlando-bonnet-creek/events

May 15 is opening day for The Pueblo Bonito branded Vantage Centro Histórico Mazatlán, the first property in Mexico’s Pueblo Bonito upscale Vantage brand. The historic, renovated school building resides within two blocks of the Malecón—the 13-mile promenade along the Pacific Ocean—as well as Plaza Machado, the town square. The boutique hotel is ideally situated for visitors wishing to explore the historic quarter of the city and its 19th-century architectural marvels. 24 guest rooms on two floors, the interior design mixes antique and modern, created by Victor de Rueda, a prominent Mexican design firm. According to Pueblo Bonito founder Ernesto Coppel, “For the first time in our 38-year history, we’re aiming to attract a new type of traveler to Mazatlán. We’ve conceived this hotel for discerning vacationers seeking ultimate luxury in a charming port city renowned for its lively Carnival and Day of the Dead celebrations.” The hotel’s menu of amenities starts with the Melville restaurant, named for Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, who visited Mazatlán in 1844 as a sailor aboard the frigate United States. Also available for dining is Casa 46, owned by Pueblo Bonito Resorts. It doubles as both a restaurant and a museum detailing the city’s history. The cuisine is both regional Mexican and Mazatlán, as influenced by the foreign cultures that settled the city. An upstairs terrace overlooks the famous Plaza.

https://www.pueblobonito.com.mx/pueblo-bonito-vantage-centro-historico-mazatlan.

My husband and I love to visit old theaters erected in the early 1900s. The historic Plaza Theater in Palm Springs, CA is now on our bucket list for 2026, since the renovations of this 1936 beauty are expected to be completed by late December 2025. Plans are made to restore the variety of cultural performances, festivals and lectures that will once again enamor the community’s interest but also provide a grande dame venue for meetings and events.

https://savetheplazatheatreps.com/

Southwest Airlines wants to simplify booking and managing group travel. Their new platform, Southwest Groups, helps planners to access and utilize the system to shop, book, make deposits, and manage reservations. Southwest Groups is part of the airline’s broader business-to-business (B2B) offering within its Southwest Business Assist portal, including Southwest Meetings, a tool for managing meeting-related travel agreements.

www.Southwest.com/aboutbusiness.

Eventeny has partnered with pc/nametag to produce a free lookbook to help engage attendees. Here’s what the partnership offers: Custom event badges that double as memorable keepsakes; Tradable badge ribbons designed to spark connection and engagement; and a curated collection of products perfect for festivals, fairs, and conventions. Download the free digital lookbook to see what’s trending this season.

https://content.yudu.com/web/43xdi/0A43z6e/FestivalFairLookBook/html/index.html?utm_campaign; www.eventeny.com

Attention people who love to eat and will be in Plano, TX anytime from now through September 30. The Taste of Plano Foodie Pass is back and is celebrating five years of foodie fun! Register for a free pass at www.visitplano.com/tasteofplano. Once you check in to 20 restaurants, you are automatically entered into the “Fit for a Foodie” sweepstakes. First place winner will receive a complimentary mixology class for six at the Renaissance Dallas Plano Legacy West, plus $200 in gift cards ($600 value). Second place winner will receive a Lone Star Food Tour gift card for four to participate in a Downtown Plano food tour ($436 value). Third place winner will receive a My French Recipe gift card for two people to participate in a French cooking class ($200 value).

Photo The Living Art Museum’s inspiring outdoor art collection at The 52 World! (Pensacola, FL) RSVP required for guided tour each third Thursday of each month. Dates remaining are: May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18 and October 16.

(844) 954-3505; https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/the-52-worlds-living-art-museum-art-tour/

The Palm Springs Air Museum, a nonprofit living history museum dedicated to the role Air Power played in preserving American liberties and way of life, is expanding. The new Ronald M Auen Learning Center, a 2,500-sf multipurpose facility, should be completed by September. The renovated entryway will improve guest flow and amenities, reinforcing its mission through inspiring exhibits and modernized spaces.

Just look at all the new hotels opening in Mexico this year. early in the year, Waldorf Astoria, San Miguel Allende opens with 120 rooms and 24 private residences in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. April, Rosewood Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit debuts 140 rooms, three pools, signature spa and three fine-dining options. Rosewood Residences Old Lighthouse, Los Cabos debuts by midway of the year. The 140 residences include a state-of-the-art spa, gourmet dining experiences, and access to pristine beaches. Opening late 2025, the 70-room and 20 residences of Chablé Sea of Cortez in La Paz are set across 15 acres of beachfront. Private terraces, plunge pools, and a luxury spa. Milaroca, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Nayarit has 57 rooms and 27 private villas within a 105-acre beachfront estate. In December, look for Hotel Sevilla, Mérida to show off the transformation of a 16^th-century colonial villa into a boutique luxury property with 22 rooms. Aken Hotels & Resorts will launch its second Mexican property, the Aken Mind, Mérida Hotel, featuring 128 guestrooms including eight signature suites, a locally inspired restaurant, rooftop pool, and event space for up to 150 people. The Unico 21°105° Puerto Vallarta is set to open this fall.  The property will host 141 rooms overlooking Banderas Bay, complete with restaurants, pools, and wellness facilities.

info@journeymexico.com

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (Nashville, TN) plans to add 108,000 sf of meeting space by 2027, including a 31,000-sf ballroom, 38,000 sf breakout space, and about 39,000 sf of pre-function space. Once completed the resort will have 756,000 sf of meeting space. The meeting space expansion is part of a multi-phase plan. First finished was the $17 million renovation of the Governor’s Ballroom and by mid-year, a $36 million renovation and redesign of the Presidential Ballroom. By late 2025, the resort expects to have added a 550-seat sports bar, 3,000 sf pavilion, and 6,200 sf event lawn.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center

Photo June 2025, our first Appellation Hotel opens in Healdsburg, CA, deep in Sonoma County in the heart of wine country.

https://www.appellationhotels.com/hotels/california-healdsburg.html

The Pueblo Vantage San Miguel de Allende Mexico, Pueblo Bonito’s first urban European Plan hotel, officially opens October 1. One of the highlighted amenities is the Aromatika Spa & Wellness, located on the courtyard level adjoining a botanical garden. “Aromatika Spa & Wellness will give guests an experience of refined renewal, allowing them to discover a multi-sensory world designed to please the senses and restore physical, mental and spiritual balance while enjoying the exclusive ambiance of San Miguel de Allende,” said Diana F. Mestre, an award-winning spa consultant from Mexico City who designed the facility with consultant Paulina Mercader and Pueblo Bonito Vantage general manager Lucy Ruiz. The name “Aromatika” honors the scents of San Miguel, notably lavender, rosemary, mint, fennel and sage, “as well as the subtle scents of wine-based therapies and exclusive skin care products” used at the spa, explained Mestre, adding that several factors will set the Aromatika Spa & Wellness apart from all other feel-good facilities. “For starters, Pueblo Bonito Vantage is embedded in the history and culture of San Miguel de Allende,” she said. “The architecture and interior design of both the hotel and the spa are an elegant take on colonial style.” Also, the state of Guanajuato has emerged as one of Mexico’s leading wine regions, and Aromatika Spa has tapped into it. Wine therapies take advantage of the beneficial properties of wine grape derivatives in treatments and rituals to give the skin a healthier improved physical appearance. The high resveratrol content of red grapes acts as a powerful antioxidant with properties that increase collagen production, allow skin regeneration and help to reduce skin irritation and blemishes. Another key spa element is the Biohacking Center, a new-age approach to organically promote the correct function of the body’s systems.

https://www.pueblobonito.com.mx/resorts/san-miguel

Silicon Valley, CA’s Morgan Hill is the recipient for Hotel MOHI by Appellation, the culinary-first hotel brand by American chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger. The pair have joined forces with vintner Frank Léal of Léal Hospitality to develop Hotel MOHI by Appellation, expected to debut in the Fall. The five-story, 76-room urban retreat will be the first full-service luxury boutique hotel in the area. The 215-seat signature Charlie Palmer restaurant and bar plans to produce key ingredients from scratch, including roasting small-batch coffee or olive oil made from onsite trees. Additional amenities include a terrace pool and deck, marketplace, and flower shop lounge. A café and bakery will transition into a cocktail and wine bar during evenings. Also expected is a 7,730-sf ballroom with a modern organic design flex space able to become a show-kitchen for live-action culinary experiences.

https://www.appellationhotels.com/hotels-california-morgan-hill.html

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room Loews Hotel resort opens at Universal Epic Universe theme park (Orlando, FL) in May. The majestic Mediterranean-inspired resort is designed to blend immersion and relaxation with a rooftop bar, divine dining options, and the hotel’s very own dedicated entrance to the new theme park. There will be 4,648-sf of versatile meeting & function space. As soon as guests enter, they will be transported to a fantastical world within the palace of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, adorned with beautiful details of celestial patterns, dazzling constellations and elegant yet casual Mediterranean design elements. Through the lobby’s floor-to-ceiling windows will be a breathtaking vista of Celestial Park. Many of the rooms will offer views of Epic Universe. Unique to Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be imaginative How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites. The dedicated entrance to Universal Epic Universe located off the lobby will provide direct, convenient access to and from the theme park (valid theme park admission required). Atop the roof, Bar Helios’ menu of creative tapas and familiar favorites and handcrafted specialty cocktails along with unmatched 360-degree views of Epic Universe and beyond. The resort will have a pool, fitness room and three dining options: Flora Taverna, Aurora Market, and Lotus Lagoon. Guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, or any of the other Universal Orlando hotels, receive Early Park Admission. The addition of Universal Helios Grand Hotel also brings three reimagined hotel categories to Universal Orlando. The Signature Collection – including Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, offers full-service amenities. Prime Value Hotels – including Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort offer a mix of services and amenities made for comfort. Value Inns and Suites – including Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites, are fun, affordable options offering standard rooms and spacious suites with kitchenettes.

www.UOMeetingsAndEvents.com.

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles (St. Charles, MO) will have tripled the size of its meeting and convention center to 65,000 sf of event and meeting space by the end of the year.

https://ameristarstcharles.boydgaming.com/

Photo Coming Summer to the Dominican Republic: Fiesta Americana Funeeq Punta Cana, the newest addition to the Fiesta Americana Travelty Meetings & Events resort family. The 494-guest rooms and 45 suites all-inclusive resort will have over 20,000 sf of function space, eight onsite restaurants, water park, beach access, and is adjacent to the live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana.
 https://fiestamericanatraveltymeetings.com/contact-us/

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana Sun will open on Uvero Alto Beach, gearing towards newlyweds to families, in 2025 Spa, world-class fitness center, and nearly a dozen dining options with international cuisines, and a new water park will be the draw. Located about one hour from Punta Cana’s airport, the resort will offer 620 suites. “Guests today look for easy, stress-free vacations that don’t break the bank, and all-inclusive resorts can make that happen,” said Gustavo Viescas, President, Latin America and the Caribbean, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “From Dominican Republic to Mexico, Barbados and Jamaica, Wyndham allows guests to travel the world—and expanding brands like Wyndham Alltra makes international travel possible for guests of all kinds.”

www.wyndhamalltra.com; www.WyndhamRewards.com; www.playaresorts.com; www.wyndhamhotels.com

In 2026

Look for the opening of Canopy by Hilton hotel at Deer Valley East Village, UT this summer. The 180-room hotel, will offer ski-in access during the winter season. The property will also have meeting facilities, ski locker room, and two levels of underground parking with 176 spaces. Influenced by Park City’s mining history and its development as a ski destination in its theming décor, the property will have a restaurant, apres-ski lounge, rooftop bar, and coffee shop. Canopy by Hilton at Deer Valley will be part of the Hilton Honors loyalty program.

https://stories.hilton.com/releases/hilton-announces-plans-for-canopy-by-hiltons-first-ski-destination-hotel-at-new-deer-valley-east-village

Space enthusiasts, astrophysicists, astrologers and those who just want a new perspective on a cruise need to take heed of this special offering by Poseidon Expeditions. The specialty polar expeditions company has a solar eclipse expedition August 2 – 15 for the solar eclipse that will occur August 12. The cruise is hosted by astrophysicist Paul Sutter, known for making complex astronomic concepts accessible and engaging. The company is committed to safe and environmentally responsible polar travel. Member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

https://poseidonexpeditions.com/.

DSRT Surf Resort is building California’s first man-made surf lagoon at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, CA. Using Wavegarden’s state-of-the-art Cove technology, which enables the creation of “perfect waves” in the 5.5-acre lagoon, about 70 surfers will be able to participate simultaneously. The surf lagoon, part of a 17-acre, full-scale resort with a 92-room hotel, 83 residential units, spa, golf courses, event spaces, and dining and bar venues, is being designed using sustainable processes favored by the Resort for its golf courses and pool area.

https://dsrtsurf.com/

Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga in Tennessee just broke ground and is expected to open in early 2026. Located downtown in the Southside area, the 123-room hotel is being developed by 3H Group Inc. under a franchise agreement with Hyatt. It will feature the brand’s all-day food-and-beverage concept, Talk Shop, serving as a welcome area as well as a rooftop bar and meeting space.

https://www.hyatt.com/brands/caption-by-hyatt

Hyatt Place Sonoma Wine Country, located near Charles Schulz Sonoma County Airport, is slated to open in late 2026. Plans include 165 rooms, meeting spaces, pool, fitness center, and a rooftop restaurant and bar.

Expectations are high for the late summer completion of the $275 million transformation of The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts (Lake Buena Vista, FL). The redo adds 120,000 sf of event space. A new, two-story annex will expand the Dolphin’s current meeting space, featuring 41,000 sf of multipurpose space and 24,000 sf of additional pre-function space on the first floor. A 41,000-sf ballroom on the second floor will also have 14,000 sf of pre-function foyer space. The expansion and upgrades to both resorts will bring total meeting space to 469,000 sf between its three buildings, the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve.

In 2027

Nashville, TN’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is undergoing a $131 million expansion that should be complete by Spring, 2027. The expansion adds 108,000 sf of premium, carpeted meeting space, including a 31,000-sf ballroom, 38,000 sf of new breakout space, and 39,000 sf of pre-function space. New total of exhibit and meeting space will be about 756,000 sf, making it the largest non-gaming hotel in the U.S.

 615-889-1000; https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center/events/

After 30 years in business, The Mirage Hotel & Casino (The Mirage) in Las Vegas, NV has closed and will be transformed into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas. The 700-foot guitar-shaped hotel will be modeled after the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. Opening is slated for spring, 2027.

MEETING PLANNING GUIDES (FREE)

Cambridge, MA – https://visitcambridgeusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/New-Branding-COT-Tradeshow-Presentation-2024.pdf

Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center – https://simplebooklet.com/gaylordpacificmeetingeventplanningguide#page=1

Greensboro, NC – https://www.visitgreensboronc.com/meetings-conventions-sports/request-meeting-planners-guide.aspx

Pensacola Bay, FL – Insider’s Guide. Can be delivered digitally, by mail or in person. https://www.visitpensacola.com/plan-your-trip/visitors-guide-request/

Scottsdale, AZ – www.experiencescottsdale.com/maps-guides/meeting-travel-planners-guide/

Sioux Falls, SD – https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/plan-your-trip/visitor-guide

Stafford, VA – https://form.jotform.com/240735819722057

Salt Lake City, UT – https://www.visitsaltlake.com/plan-your-visit/free-visitors-guide/

St Pete/Clearwater, FL – https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/sites/default/files/2023-06/MeetingPlanGuide_23-digi.pdf

Valley Forge, PA – https://www.valleyforge.org/meetings/

FESTIVALS

May 30: Grand Fiesta Parade in Pensacola, FL presented by Kia Autosport @ 7 pm. Beads, krewes, music. Parade parking downtown area on first-come first serve basis. All downtown lots owned by private businesses and will likely charge a parking fee.

https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/grand-fiesta-parade-presented-by-kia-autospor

Aug. 12: Gulf Coast Whale Festival at Gulfside Pavilion. Educational exhibits and activities tell the story of Gulf whales and local marine life, and a puppet parade led by Birds of a Feather showcases the ecology of the Gulf. Casino Beach Pavilion hosts live music by Pensacola, FL singer-songwriters, and the premier performance of Ode to the Rice’s Whale, written by Pensacola performer Bob Teague.

Booth space: https://healthygulf.org/get-involved/gulf-coast-whale-festival-2025/; (850) 687-9968

Oct. 16-19: The 13th Annual World Food Championships return to the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (Indianapolis).

https://worldfoodchampionships.com/news; www.indianastatefair.com.

Karen Kuzsel is a writer-editor based in the Orlando area who specializes in the hospitality, entertainment, meetings & events industries.  She is an active member of International Live Events Association, Meeting Professionals International and the Society of Professional Journalists. Karen writes about food & wine, spas, destinations, venues, meetings & events. A career journalist, she has owned magazines, written for newspapers, trade publications, radio and TV. As her alter-ego, Natasha, The Psychic Lady, she is a featured entertainer for corporate and social events. Karen@KarenKuzsel.com;   www.karenkuzsel.com; www.ThePsychicLady.com; @karenkuzsel; @thepsychiclady. She is also active with Experience Kissimmee CVB.